North Valley Food Bank Fundraising Drive Complete

$500,000 donation by Mike Goguen for new Whitefish building and endowment fund tops off campaign

Whitefish, Mont. (July 20, 2013) – Today philanthropist Mike Goguen presented a check for $500,000 to the North Valley Food Bank to complete its $1.5 million fundraising campaign for a new building and endowment fund. This donation adds to more than $1 million raised in cash, pledges, and in-kind donations spearheaded by the fundraising committee and board of directors.

“This new building is such a gift to our community,” said executive director June Munski Feenan, who started the food bank in her garage in 1977. “I am so grateful to Mr. Goguen and the hundreds of individuals who have helped us complete this campaign in just over a year. Hungry children don’t do well in school. A well-fed family is the basis for a strong community.”

All eight members of the board of directors and executive director are local residents who volunteer their time. The Food Bank continues to be operated solely by unpaid volunteers and many of these individuals have received awards for community service. But the growing number of those in need, coupled with the associated work and operational expenses, have made it necessary to create sustainable and endowed operations and facilities to meet the growing needs of the community.

“One of the many things that impresses me about Montana is the way neighbors extend a helping hand when times are tough,” said Mike Goguen. “It’s a pleasure and a privilege for me to finish out the Food Bank’s building campaign so June Munski-Feenan and her many volunteers can do an even better job of putting food on the table of every family who needs it.”

The 10 a.m. presentation was made at the construction site of the new North Valley Food Bank building at the corner of West 13th and 15th St. in Whitefish, Montana. The new building will be named in honor of Mike Goguen.

In 2012, the Food Bank served 16,798 individuals using 343,000 pounds of food. The new 4,748 square foot facility will provide needed storage for bulk food purchases, add a multi-purpose kitchen for educational classes and food prep, create more freezer and cooler capacity, as well as provide safer parking and food pick-up.